Tools and methods for handling tower sections

Abstract

To provide tools for handling a tower section of a wind turbine tower.SOLUTION: The present disclosure relates to tools and methods for handling a tower section of a wind turbine tower. The tool comprises a first wheeled platform, a second wheeled platform, and a frame. The frame comprises a first side portion and a second side portion. The first side portion is attached to the first wheeled platform and is configured to support a first end portion of a sling. The second side portion is attached to the second wheeled platform and is configured to support a second end portion of the sling. The first and second wheeled platforms are separated along a horizontal direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wind turbines, and more particularly to methods and tools for handling wind turbine tower sections.

Background Art

[0002] Modern wind turbines are commonly used to supply electricity to the power grid. This type of wind turbine generally includes a tower and a rotor disposed on the tower. The rotor typically includes a hub and a plurality of blades and rotates under the action of wind on the blades. This rotation generates torque, which is usually transmitted to the generator directly or via a gearbox by the rotor shaft. In this way, the generator can generate electricity and supply the electricity to the power grid.

[0003] The wind turbine hub can be rotatably coupled to the front of the nacelle. The wind turbine hub can be connected to the rotor shaft, and then the rotor shaft can be rotatably mounted in the nacelle using one or more rotor shaft bearings disposed on the frame inside the nacelle. The nacelle is a housing disposed on the upper part of the wind turbine tower that houses and protects, for example, the gearbox (if present) and the generator, and also houses and protects additional components and auxiliary systems such as a power converter depending on the wind turbine.

[0004] Modern wind turbines are becoming more powerful and thus larger. Wind turbines capable of providing a rated output exceeding 10 MW may have towers with a height exceeding 130 m and a weight exceeding 800 tons. The diameter of the tower section may also be 5 - 10 m or more. For example, the diameter of the upper part of the tower may exceed 5 m, and the diameter of the lower part of the tower may exceed 8 m.

[0005] Thus, modern wind turbine towers have dimensions that make transportation and installation difficult and expensive. Wind turbine towers can be divided into sections to allow transportation with available vehicles and tools, while also complying with the size and weight restrictions that may be imposed by a country or region. Tower sections can still be cumbersome to transport; for example, a tower section may have a diameter of 5-10m, weigh over 300 tons, and be 20m, 30m, 40m, or even longer.

[0006] After the tower section is manufactured, it can be stored on a support such as a cradle or "elephant legs." The tower section can be picked up and transported by a self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT). One or more cranes with slights can be used to lift such a tower section from the SPMT and place it on a ship for further transport. Sea fastening can be used on the ship. When the ship arrives at the logistics hub, the tower section can be unloaded using cranes and stored again. The SPMT can be used again in such a process. The tower section can be erected for storage and pre-assembly. Specifically, two cranes can be used for erection. One crane can lift the tower at or near one end of the section, and another crane can lift the tower at or near the opposite end.

[0007] In some cases, the frame is attached to one or more tower sections to be stored and / or transported. For example, one frame may be bolted to the flange at the first end of the tower section, and another frame may be bolted to the flange at the opposite end of the tower section. These frames may be substantially flat. The frame may extend over the entire cross-section of the end of the tower piece, or over only a portion of it.

[0008] The frame may, in addition to or instead of, extend along the length or height of the tower section. This extension may also be whole or partial. In this description, the length or height direction is substantially perpendicular to the radial cross-section of the tower section.

[0009] These frames can be picked up and lifted by vehicles such as self-propelled modular transports (SPMTs) for transporting tower sections from storage to installation sites or vessels. Cranes and sufficiently large and long towing trucks can also be used for this purpose. Frames can also be picked up and lifted by cranes to position one or more tower sections vertically (with the tower diameter parallel to the ground).

[0010] Such frames may not be placed directly on the ground to house one or more tower sections, but instead may be placed on support elements. These elements can be useful in reducing damage to the frame and in leveling and better supporting one or more tower sections. For example, four "elephant legs" (two elephant legs at each end of the section) may be used for each tower section or group of tower sections stored together.

[0011] The use of frames requires time to attach them to each tower section or group of tower sections to be stored and / or transported, and then to remove them at the installation site. In some cases, one or more frames may be removed before the tower section is erected, and in any case, all frames are removed after the tower section is erected. Furthermore, frames suitable for a particular tower section or tower diameter may not be suitable for other diameters. Also, the proper placement of support elements for storing tower sections requires time and considerable effort. [Overview of the project]

[0012] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a tool for handling a tower section of a wind turbine tower is provided. The tool comprises a first wheeled platform, a second wheeled platform, and a frame. The frame has a first transverse portion and a second transverse portion. The first transverse portion of the frame is attached to the first wheeled platform and configured to support a first end portion of a sling. The second transverse portion of the frame is attached to the second wheeled platform and configured to support a second end portion of a sling. The first and second wheeled platforms are positioned horizontally apart so that the tower section can be at least partially supported on the sling between the first and second transverse portions of the frame.

[0013] In this embodiment, the tool has two wheeled platforms for moving on the ground. By mounting the frame onto the platforms, a distance is set between the platforms, and the movement of one platform becomes dependent on the movement of the other platform. The first and second platforms are separated, i.e., the distance between the platforms provided by the frame extending in the direction of connection is greater than zero. In fact, the distance between the platforms can allow a portion of the wind turbine tower to be suspended between the platforms, depending on the diameter of the tower section and the height of the frame. The lateral portions of the frame are configured to support slings so that slings attached to the tool can be suspended between the lateral portions of the frame.

[0014] Such tools can enable the efficient picking and transport of sections of wind turbine towers. Regarding the use of storage and / or transport frames, time can be saved in the transport and erection of wind turbine tower sections. Therefore, it is also possible to facilitate transport and erection by using a single tool instead of at least two transport tools and frames.

[0015] In a further embodiment, a method for handling a wind turbine tower section is provided. This method includes the steps of supporting a first end of a tower section, which is positioned on one or more supports, by a first sling suspended between a first transverse portion of a frame attached to a first wheeled platform of a first tool and a second transverse portion of the frame attached to a second wheeled platform, and supporting a second end of a tower section by a second sling suspended between a first transverse portion of the frame attached to a first wheeled platform of a second tool and a second transverse portion of the frame attached to a second wheeled platform. This method further includes the step of removing one or more supports.

[0016] In a further embodiment, a tool for handling the tower section of a wind turbine tower is provided. The tool comprises a first base and a second base configured to move along the ground, and a frame extending between the first and second bases. One side of the first frame is supported by the first base, and the opposite side of the second frame is supported by the second base. The first and second bases are arranged substantially parallel to each other in such a manner that the tower section can be supported by the frame between the first and second bases.

[0017] Through this disclosure, a tower section can be understood as a single tower section or a group consisting of two or more tower sections joined together. For example, a single tower section can be stored and transported independently, or a group of joined tower sections, such as three tower sections, can be stored and transported together. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] A schematic perspective view of an example of a wind turbine is shown. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a simplified internal diagram of an example of a wind turbine nacelle. [Figure 3] This diagram schematically shows an example of tools used for transporting and erecting wind turbine tower sections. [Figure 4] A schematic example of a front or rear view of a tool for transporting and erecting a wind turbine tower section is shown. [Figure 5] A schematic example of a side view of a tool for transporting and erecting a wind turbine tower section is shown. [Figure 6A] This document outlines the details of how to transport and optionally erect wind turbine tower sections. [Figure 6B]Schematically shows details of a method for transporting a wind turbine tower section and optionally erecting it upright. [Figure 6C] Schematically shows details of a method for transporting a wind turbine tower section and optionally erecting it upright. [Figure 6D] Schematically shows details of a method for transporting a wind turbine tower section and optionally erecting it upright. [Figure 6E] Schematically shows details of a method for transporting a wind turbine tower section and optionally erecting it upright. [Figure 7] Schematically shows an example of a method for handling a wind turbine tower section.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Here, embodiments of the present invention will be referred to in detail, with one or more examples shown in the drawings. Each example is presented as an illustration of the present invention rather than a limitation thereof. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit thereof. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used in another embodiment to yield further embodiments. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to encompass such modifications and changes within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0020] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example of a wind turbine 160. As shown, the wind turbine 160 includes a tower 170 extending from a support surface 150, a nacelle 161 mounted on the tower 170, and a rotor 115 coupled to the nacelle 161. The rotor 115 includes a rotatable hub 110 and at least one rotor blade 120 coupled to the hub 110 and extending outwardly from the hub 110. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the rotor 115 includes three rotor blades 120. However, in alternative embodiments, the rotor 115 may include more or fewer rotor blades 120 than three. Each rotor blade 120 can be positioned while spaced around the hub 110 to facilitate rotation of the rotor 115 such that kinetic energy can be converted from the wind into mechanical energy that can then be converted into electrical energy. For example, the hub 110 can be rotatably coupled to a generator 162 (FIG. 2) disposed within the nacelle 161 so that electrical energy can be generated.

[0021] FIG. 2 shows a simplified internal view of an example of the nacelle 161 of the wind turbine 160 of FIG. 1. As shown, the generator 162 can be disposed inside the nacelle 161. Generally, the generator 162 can be coupled to the rotor 115 of the wind turbine 160 to generate electrical power from the rotational energy generated by the rotor 115. For example, the rotor 115 can include a main rotor shaft 163 coupled to the hub 110 and rotating with the hub 110. Then, the generator 162 can be coupled to the rotor shaft 163 such that the generator 162 is driven by rotation of the rotor shaft 163. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the generator 162 includes a generator shaft 166 rotatably coupled to the rotor shaft 163 through a gearbox 164.

[0022] It should be understood that the rotor shaft 163, the gearbox 164, and the generator 162 can generally be supported within the nacelle 161 by a support frame or bedplate 165 disposed at the top of the wind turbine tower 170.

[0023] The nacelle 161 can be rotatably coupled to the tower 170 via a yaw system 20 in such a way that the nacelle 161 can rotate about the yaw axis YA, or other methods may exist to position the rotor at a desired angle to the wind. If a yaw system 20 exists, such a system typically comprises a yaw bearing having two bearing components configured to rotate relative to each other. The tower 170 is coupled to one of the bearing components, and the bed plate or support frame 165 of the nacelle 161 is coupled to the other bearing component. The yaw system 20 comprises an annular gear 21, a plurality of yaw drive units 22 having motors 23, a gearbox 24, and a pinion 25 that meshes with the annular gear 21 to rotate one of the bearing components relative to the other.

[0024] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a tool for handling, such as transporting and / or erecting, a tower section of a wind turbine tower. The tool comprises a first wheeled platform, a second wheeled platform, and a frame. The frame has a first transverse portion and a second transverse portion. The first transverse portion of the frame is attached to the first wheeled platform and configured to support a first end portion of a sling. The second transverse portion of the frame is attached to the second wheeled platform and configured to support a second end portion of a sling. The first and second wheeled platforms are positioned apart horizontally from the frame so that the tower section can be at least partially supported on the sling between the first and second transverse portions of the frame.

[0025] Two very similar examples of this tool can be seen in Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of tool 300 and a wind turbine tower section 175 supported by tool 300. Figure 4 shows a front view of another tool 300 supporting the wind turbine tower section 175. Tool 300 comprises a first wheeled platform 305 and a second wheeled platform 310. The first wheeled platform 305 and the second wheeled platform 310 are separated by a distance 315.

[0026] Furthermore, the tool 300 includes a frame 320. The frame 320 includes a first transverse section 325, a second transverse section 330, and a central section 335. The central section 335 connects the first and second transverse sections and can bridge the gap between the two wheeled platforms. Furthermore, the frame 320 has an upper section 340 and a lower section 345. The frame 320 separates the first wheeled platform 305 and the second wheeled platform 310 along a substantially horizontal direction 405. Furthermore, the frame 320 also extends in a vertical direction 410. The tool 300 can move on the ground along the transport direction 400. Direction 405 may also be called the transverse horizontal direction, and direction 410 may be called the vertical direction 410.

[0027] The frame 320 may be longer horizontally 405 than vertically 410, as shown in the examples in Figures 3 and 4. In other words, the frame may be longer than its own height. The length 350 of the frame 320 may be, for example, 5 to 15 m, the height 355 of the frame may be, for example, 5 to 15 m, and the width of the frame 320 may be 2 to 6 m. In other examples, the frame 320 may be longer vertically 310, and therefore the length of the frame 320 may extend vertically 310 rather than horizontally 405.

[0028] The distance between the first platform 305 and the second platform 310 may be 4 to 13 m in some examples.

[0029] Each wheeled platform may comprise a substantially flat base and multiple wheels (e.g., 8 to 20 wheels). The wheel sets may be arranged on a common axle. Each wheeled platform may have an independent propulsion mechanism. The wheeled platforms may be SPMTs.

[0030] A first transverse section 325 of the frame is attached to a first wheeled platform 305, and a second transverse section 330 of the frame is attached to a second wheeled platform 310. The attachments can be, for example, by nuts and bolts. The first and second transverse sections 325 and 330 of the frame may extend vertically 410. The first transverse section 325 of the frame may include a first substantially vertical beam 360. Similarly, the second transverse section 330 of the frame may include a second substantially vertical beam 365.

[0031] The first transverse section 325 of the frame may include one or more additional diagonal beams or supports 385. Alternatively, or in addition to, the second transverse section 330 of the frame may include one or more additional diagonal beams or supports 385. The additional diagonal beams 385 may extend from the top (see Figure 3) or middle section (see Figure 4) of the first vertical beam 360 to the first wheeled platform 305 or base beam 390.

[0032] One or more of the additional base beams 390 may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the transverse horizontal direction 405, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. One or more of the additional base beams 390 may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the transport horizontal direction 400, as shown in Figure 3. One or more additional base beams 390 may extend in any other direction. The additional beams 385, 390 can serve to stabilize and reinforce the first transverse section 325 and the second transverse section 330 of the frame.

[0033] The first transverse portion 325 and the second transverse portion 330 of the frame are configured to support the first end portion 420 and the second end portion 425 of the sling 415, respectively. The end portions 420 and 425 of the sling can be understood as the portions of the sling 415 that are close to the ends 430 and 435 of the sling 415. The ends 430 and 435 of the sling 415 may be included in the end portions 420 and 425 of the sling 415. The first transverse portion 325 of the frame may be provided with a suitable sling attachment point.

[0034] In some examples, the first transverse portion 325 of the frame may have one or more first sling attachment points 450 for attaching the first end 430 of the sling 415, and the second transverse portion 330 of the frame may have one or more second attachment points 455 for attaching the second end 435 of the sling 415. As shown in Figure 4, one or more sling attachment points 450, 455 may be D-rings.

[0035] By having several sling attachment points 450, 455 at different heights on the lateral sections 325, 330 of the frame, the degree to which the sling hangs between the sling 415 and the lateral sections 325, 330 of the frame can be adjusted. Thus, tower sections 175 of different diameters can be transported with a single tool 300.

[0036] For example, a first lateral portion 325 of a frame 320, such as a vertical beam 360, may be provided with a sling upper guide 440, and a second lateral portion 330 of a frame 320, such as a vertical beam 365, may be provided with a second upper guide 445. The first upper guide 440 and the second upper guide 445 are configured to support the sling 415.

[0037] One or more sling attachment points 450, 455, and the upper parts 440, 450 of the first transverse section 325 and the second transverse section 330 of the frame that support and orient the sling, may be in a plane including the vertical direction 410 and the transverse horizontal direction 405. This can help stabilize and provide better support to the tower section 175.

[0038] In Figure 4, the sling attachment points 450 and 455 are located on the additional diagonal beam 385. However, the sling attachment points 450 and 455 may be located elsewhere on the frame lateral sections 325 and 330. For example, they can be located on the vertical beams 360 and 365 of the frame lateral sections 325 and 330. Alternatively, the sling attachment points 450 and 455 may be located on the first wheeled platform 305 and / or the second wheeled platform 310.

[0039] The sling attachment point can be located relatively close to the base of the wheeled platform. The sling end may extend beyond the attachment point beyond the upper parts 440, 445 of the first and second frame lateral sections 325, 330.

[0040] The central portion 335 of the frame may include a truss structure having one or more beams connecting the first transverse portion 320 and the second transverse portion 330 of the frame. For example, the central portion 335 of the frame may comprise an upper transverse beam 370 and a lower transverse beam 375. These beams 370, 375 may extend in the transverse horizontal direction 405. These beams 370, 375 can be bolted to the vertical beams 360 and 365.

[0041] The truss structure of the central portion 335 of the frame may include vertical members or beams and diagonal members of beam 380. In Figure 3, the central oblique beam 380 connects the transverse horizontal beams 370 and 375. In other examples, one or more central oblique beams 380 may connect the first transverse portion 325 and the second transverse portion 330 of the frame. The central oblique beam 380 may be present in addition to the transverse horizontal beams 370 and 375, or may be present in place of the transverse horizontal beams 370 and 375.

[0042] It should be noted that the central upper beam 370 does not have to be located directly above the central lower beam 375 in Figures 3 and 4. Such a beam 370 can be displaced in the transport horizontal direction 400 away from the sling attachment points 450, 455 so that the sling 115 can be suspended in a plane formed by the vertical direction 410 and the transverse horizontal direction 405.

[0043] The central upper beam 370 can limit the displacement of the tower section 175 when supported by the sling 115, and thus can help stabilize the tower section 175 during transport.

[0044] The diagonal beams 380 can have various inclination angles with respect to the horizontal direction 405. For example, each oblique beam 380 can have an inclination of 30°, 45°, or 60°. Furthermore, oblique beams 380 may have different inclination angles than other oblique beams 380. For example, one oblique beam 380 may have an angle of 45° with respect to the horizontal direction 405, while another oblique beam may have an angle of 125° with respect to the direction 405.

[0045] The frame 320 can be made of steel in some examples. The frame 320 may be formed integrally from a single piece, or it may consist of two or more pieces or beams joined together.

[0046] Figure 5 schematically shows a side view of the tool 300. In some examples, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the tool 300 may include hinges 460, 461, 465, and 466. To rotate the frame 320 or a portion of the frame 320 about an axis substantially parallel to the horizontal direction 405 of the frame, the first transverse portion 325 of the frame may include at least first hinges 460, 461, and the second transverse portion 330 of the frame may include at least second hinges 465, 466. In Figure 5, arrow 470 indicates the movement of the frame 320 or a portion of the frame 320 when rotation occurs about the axis of the transverse horizontal direction 405.

[0047] This facilitates the uprighting of the tower section 175 after it has been transported to the installation site. Furthermore, instead of using two cranes—a rear crane and a main crane—to upright the tower section 175, only the main crane can be used. With this tool 300 and crane, the movement of the tower section 175 during uprighting can be controlled more easily than with two cranes.

[0048] Hinges can be provided at the bottom of the first transverse portion 325 and the second transverse portion 330 of the frame. In addition to or instead of this, hinges can be provided at the top of the first transverse portion 325 and the second transverse portion 330 of the frame. For example, one or more hinges can be provided for each vertical beam 360, 365 of the transverse portions 325, 330 of the frame 320.

[0049] Figures 4 and 5 schematically illustrate two hinges for each lateral section of the frame. In this example, the first lateral section 325 of the frame, in particular the first vertical beam 360, includes an upper hinge 461 and a lower hinge 460. Similarly, the second lateral section 330 of the frame, in particular the second vertical beam 365, includes an upper hinge 466 and a lower hinge 465.

[0050] The lower hinges 460 and 465 can be used to initiate the rotation of the tower section 175 at the start of the uprighting process, while the upper hinges 461 and 466 can then be used to rotate the tower section 175 toward the end of the uprighting process. In some other examples, only the upper hinges 461 and 466 can be used to rotate the tower section 175 when upright.

[0051] In some examples, the tool 300 may include a sling 415 having a first end 430 configured to be attached to a first transverse portion 325 of the frame and a second end 435 configured to be attached to a second transverse portion 330 of the frame, the sling 415 being configured to support the tower section 175.

[0052] Figures 3 and 4 show the tool 300 including a sling 415. The first end 430 of the sling 415 can be attached to the first sling attachment point 450, and the second opposite end 435 of the sling 415 can be attached to the second sling attachment point 455.

[0053] The first end portion 420 of the sling 415 can be passed over the upper guide 440 of the first transverse portion 325 of the frame 320, and the second end portion 425 of the sling 415 can be passed over the upper guide 445 of the second transverse portion 330 of the frame 330, allowing the sling to be supported and its direction changed. The ends 430, 435 of the sling 415 may include eyes that can be attached to a D-ring by, for example, a shackle.

[0054] Therefore, the sling 415 can be suspended between the first lateral section 325 and the second lateral section 330 of the frame. Furthermore, the sling 415 can be suspended between the first wheeled platform 305 and the second wheeled platform 310. By attaching the sling 415 to higher or lower mounting points 450, 455 or lower mounting points 450, 455 of the frame lateral sections 325, 330, the sling 415 can be suspended at a greater or lesser height, that is, closer to or further from the ground.

[0055] The sling 415 can have a length of 10 to 60 m. The sling 415 may be flat. In some examples, the sling 415 may be made of polyester or nylon. In some other examples, the sling may be made of leather or metal such as steel.

[0056] In some examples, the tool 300 may be equipped with one or more tower section flange clamps 475. As shown in Figure 4, these clamps 475 may be attached to the frame 320, for example, the central portion 335 of the frame 320, and may be retractable. When the wind turbine tower section 175 is positioned on the sling 415, the fasteners 475 can be moved toward the tower section to secure it. In the example in Figure 4, two clamps can move horizontally 405 and one clamp can move vertically 410. The tower section flange clamps 475 can clamp or grip the inner surface of the tower section 175. This can increase the stability of the tower section 175. In some examples, the clamps 475 may be used only to secure the tower section 175 when it is upright.

[0057] The example in Figure 4 further shows two lifting lugs 483 to which lifting devices such as a main crane (see Figure 6E) can be attached.

[0058] A further aspect of the present invention provides a method 500 for handling a wind turbine tower section 170. Method 500 can use two tools 300 as in any of the examples described above. Handling may specifically include transporting and uprighting the tower section. Handling may further include picking up, lifting, and / or storing the tower section.

[0059] Figures 6A to 6E schematically illustrate some details of the method. The orientation of the wind turbine tower section 175 and one or more tools 300 is indicated by directional arrows 400, 405, and 410. 400 corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the tower section. 405 corresponds to the transverse or width direction of the tower section. 410 corresponds to the vertical direction.

[0060] The method includes, in step 510, supporting the first end of a tower section 175 that is placed on one or more supports 610 for storage by a first sling 415 that hangs between a first transverse portion 325 of a frame attached to a first wheeled platform 305 of the tool 300 and a second transverse portion 330 of a frame attached to a second wheeled platform 310.

[0061] The support 610 may be a support element specifically configured for storage.

[0062] As schematically shown in Figure 6A, for storage, the tower section 175 can be placed on a support 610, such as two cradles. The first tool 300, having a sling 415, can be positioned close to the first end of the tower section 175 such that the first end of the tower section 175 is located between the first transverse portion 325 and the second transverse portion 330 of the frame 320 of the tool 300. This is schematically shown in Figure 6B and can also be seen in Figures 3 and 4.

[0063] The sling 415 can lift the first end of the tower section 175, for example, slightly. This can be done by adjusting the distance of the platform of the first wheeled platform 305 from the ground. For example, the platform can be hydraulically adjusted vertically 410 to lift the first end of the tower section. The first wheeled platform 305 may be a self-propelled modular transport (SPMT). The sling 415 can be adapted to the contour of the end of the tower section, for example, as shown in Figure 6B. Alternatively, the lifting may be done by stretching or pulling the sling.

[0064] The method further includes, in step 520, supporting the second end of the tower section 175 by a second sling 415 suspended between a first transverse portion 325 of the frame attached to the first wheeled platform 305 of the second tool 300 and a second transverse portion 330 of the frame attached to the second wheeled platform 310.

[0065] The second end of the wind turbine section 175 can be supported in the same way as the first end of the wind turbine section 175. The tool frame 320, in particular the central portion 336 of the frame 320, can be made to directly contact a portion of the tower section flange 480 (see Figure 4). This can restrict the movement of the tower section 175 in the transport horizontal direction 400 and thus help stabilize the tower section 175 during transport.

[0066] The method further includes removing one or more storage support elements 610 in block 530. The support elements can be moved from below the tower section 175, as they are no longer needed to support the tower section 175.

[0067] One or more workers can move the support element 610 away from the tower section 175. If the support element 610 is a cradle 611, removing the cradle may involve separating the cradle 611 into two parts, which is schematically shown in Figure 6C. The cradle 611 may comprise a first part 612, such as a first half of the cradle, and a second part 613, such as a second half of the cradle, joined together, for example, by pins. Each cradle part 612, 613 can be removed, for example, by a forklift moving in a horizontal direction 405.

[0068] Method 500 may further include transporting the tower section 175 in block 540. Since the tower section 175 is now supported by two tools 300 and the storage support 610 does not obstruct the path of the tools 300, the first wheeled platform 305 and the second wheeled platform 310 of the first tool 300 and the first wheeled platform 305 and the second wheeled platform 310 of the second tool 300 can move the tower section 175. The movement may be, for example, in the transport direction 400, but movement in any other horizontal direction (i.e., within the plane formed by directions 400 and 405) is possible. Figure 6D schematically shows the tower section 175 being transported in the transport direction 400 by two tools 300, 300'.

[0069] The use of tool 300, 300' can facilitate and make more efficient the handling and transport of wind turbine tower section 175.

[0070] Method 500 may further include raising the tower section 175 upright by lifting one end of the tower section while supporting the other end of the tower section with tool 300. Figure 6E schematically illustrates such a situation. Once the wind turbine tower section 175 has been transported to the uprighting site by the two tools 300, 300', the end of the tower section can be held by a lifting device, such as a crane. The tool that was previously supporting the end may or may not be removed. Comparing Figure 6D and Figure 6E, it can be seen that tool 300' has been removed, and, for example, crane line 615 is lifting the end of the tower section that will remain at the top after uprighting. Tool 300 can enable the uprighting of the tower section 175 in a more stable and controlled manner compared to, for example, the use of a rear crane and a main crane.

[0071] Uprighting, in some examples, may involve rotating the first transverse portion 325 and the second transverse portion 330 of the frame of tool 300, which supports one end of the tower section, around an axis substantially parallel to the horizontal direction 405. Tool 300 can help to position the tower section 175 vertically, or nearly vertically (see Figures 5 and 6D). One or more hinges 460, 461, 465, 466 on each side 325, 330 of the frame can be used. This also makes it easier to upright the tower section compared to when a rear crane and a main crane are used.

[0072] In some examples, the method may further include securing the tower section to be positioned below by clamping the flange 480 of the tower section. The clamp 475 or other gripping element may be retractable and retractable from the tool 300, for example, from the central frame portion 335 of the tool 300 (see Figure 4). At least the inner surface of the tower section 175 can be clamped before the other tower end portion is lifted for upright positioning. For example, the tool 300 may include one or more fasteners 475 that can clamp the lower part 485 of the tower section 175 in Figure 6 before the line 615 lifts the upper part 490 of the tower section 175, or before the line is attached to the upper part 490 of the tower section 175. By using the clamp 475, the control and stabilization of the tower section can be enhanced.

[0073] In some examples, the method may further include transferring the tower section 175 to a vessel for further transport. This step may be performed, for example, when the tower section 175 is manufactured or stored at a specific location and must be transported across the sea to the installation site or upright site. In some examples, the tower section 175 can be lifted from the tool 300, 300' to do so.

[0074] In such cases, the tower section 175 can be positioned as shown in Figure 6D and lifted by one or more lifting devices, such as two cranes. In some examples, the tower section can be lifted using two slings. The tower section 175 can then be positioned and secured on the ship, for example, by being attached to the ship's deck.

[0075] To support and secure the tower section 175 to the vessel, one or more support elements 610 can be attached to the tower section before it is placed on the vessel, for example, while it is being supported by tools 300, 300' and before it is lifted. One or more cradles 611, for example two cradles, can be attached to the tower section 175 before it is lifted and placed on the deck of the vessel, for example, by bolts.

[0076] Alternatively, the tower section 175 may be mounted on one or more support elements 610 attached to the vessel. One or more cradles 611 can be welded to, for example, the deck of the vessel, and the tower section can be mounted on the cradles 611. Additional fastening of the tower section 175 to the deck of the vessel can be provided regardless of whether the tower section support means 610 are attached to the tower section or to the vessel.

[0077] Instead of lifting tower section 175 onto the vessel, a roll-on / roll-off (RoRo) system may be used.

[0078] In several other examples, the tower section 175 can be transported onto the vessel by tool 300, 300' without the need for a lifting device and lifting line 615.

[0079] Typically, depending on the logistics of the wind power site and manufacturing logistics, the tower section may be transported first to a logistics hub and then later to individual sites. If the tower section 175 is to be installed on land, the method may further include removing the tower section from the vessel and transporting it on two tools 300, 300'.

[0080] When the tower section 175 is on a support device 610 in a vessel, the tower section 175 can be lifted and removed from the vessel. In some examples, the tower section 175 can first be placed on one or more supports 610 for temporary storage, and then picked up by two tools 300, 300' as already described with respect to Figures 6A to 6D. The tower can then be transported to its installation site and erected as described with respect to Figure 6E.

[0081] If the two tools 300', 300' move the tower section 175 to the ship's deck, they can similarly move the tower section 175 out of the ship.

[0082] When the tower section 175 is positioned on the support element 610 on a ship and transported offshore, the tower section can be lifted from the ship's deck by one or more lifting devices, such as a crane. In this case, attaching the support element 610 to the ship makes the process easier than attaching it to the tower section 175.

[0083] Once tower section 175 is loaded onto the vessel by tool 300, 300', tower section 175 can be erected as described with respect to Figure 6E.

[0084] A further aspect of the present invention provides another tool for transporting and erecting a tower section 175 of a wind turbine tower 170. The tool 300 comprises a first base 305 and a second base 310 configured to move along the ground. The tool 300 further comprises a frame 320 extending between the first base 305 and the second base 310, with a first frame side 325 supported by the first base 305 and a second opposite frame side 330 supported by the second base 330. The first and second bases are arranged substantially parallel to each other in such a manner that the tower section can be supported by the frame between the first and second bases. The frame 320 can be configured so that a sling 415 attached to the tool 300 can be suspended between the first frame side 305 and the second frame side 310.

[0085] The first base 305 and the second base 310 may have substantially flat uppers to which moving elements such as wheels are attached. Each of the first base 305 and the second base 310 may be an SPMT and may have a suitable drive or propulsion system.

[0086] Since the frame 320 extends between the first base 305 and the second base 310, the bases 305 and 310 are separated in the direction 405 of the frame's extension. The frame 320 may include multiple beams and may be made of steel. The frame 320 can be bolted to the first movable base 305 and the second movable base 310.

[0087] A sling 415, configured to support the end of the tower section 175, can be attached to the tool 300. One end 430 of the sling 415 can be attached to the first frame side 325, and the other end 435 of the sling 415 can be attached to the second frame side 330. In addition to or instead of this, the first sling end 430 can be attached to the first base 305, and the opposite end 435 of the sling 415 can be attached to the second base 310.

[0088] The first frame side 325 may be equipped with two or more sling fasteners 450 at different heights, and the second frame side 330 may be equipped with two or more sling fasteners 455 at different heights. When attached to the tool 300, the sling 415 hangs between the first side 325 and the second side 330 of the frame, and can optionally hang between the first movable base 305 and the second movable base.

[0089] In some examples, the first frame side 325 may be provided with at least first hinges 460, 461 and the second frame side 330 may be provided with at least second hinges 465 to rotate the frame about a substantially horizontal axis 405. In some examples, the frame 320 may be provided with one or more retractable clamping devices 475 for securing the flange 480 of the wind turbine tower section to the tool 300. The description presented with respect to Figures 3 to 5 may generally be applicable to this tool as well. Similarly, such a tool may be used in the method 500 described above.

[0090] Although only a few examples are disclosed herein, other alternatives, modifications, uses, and / or equivalents thereof are possible. Furthermore, all possible combinations of the examples described are also covered. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by any particular example, but should be determined solely by a fair interpretation of the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 20 Yaw System 21 Ring gear 22 Yaw drive device 23 Motor 24 Gearbox 25 pinion 110 Hub 115 Rotor, Sling 120 rotor blades 150 Support surface 160 Wind Turbine 161 Nacer 162 Generators 163 Main rotor shaft 164 Gearbox 165 Support frame, bed frame 166 Generator shaft 170 Wind Turbine Tower Section 175 Wind turbine section, tower section, wind turbine tower section 300 Tools 300' Tool 305 First wheeled platform, first movable base, first frame side 310 Second wheeled platform, second frame side, second movable base, vertical direction 315 distance 320 frames, first horizontal section 325 Frame, first frame side section, each side of the frame, first frame side section, first side section, first side section 330 Frame, second frame side section, each side of the frame, second frame side section, second side section, second base, second side section 335 Central part, central part of the frame 336 Central part 340 Top 345 Lower 350 Length 355 Frame height 360 First substantially vertical beam, first vertical beam 365 Second substantially vertical beam, second vertical beam 370 Central upper beam, upper horizontal beam, horizontal beam 375 Central lower beam, lower horizontal beam, horizontal beam 380 Central oblique beam, diagonal beam 385. Additional diagonal beams or supports 390 Additional beams, base beams 400 Transport horizontal direction, arrow 405 Horizontal direction, horizontal frame direction, arrow, substantially horizontal axis, substantially horizontal direction 410 frames vertical 415 Sling 420 First end portion 425 Second end portion 430 First end, first sling end 435 Second end, other end 440 First upper guide, sling upper guide, upper 445 Second upper guide, upper 450 First sling attachment point, sling fastener, upper 455 Second sling attachment point, sling fastener 460 First hinge, lower hinge 461 First hinge, upper hinge 465 Lower hinge 466 Upper hinge 470 Arrow 475 Clamping device, fastener, tower section flange clamp 480 Tower Section Flange 483 Lifting rug 485 Lower part 490 Top 500 ways 610 Support, tower section support means, support device, storage support element 611 Cradle 612 First part, cradle part 613 Second part, cradle part 615 Lifting Line

Claims

1. A tool (300) for handling the tower section (175) of a wind turbine tower (170), The first wheeled platform (305), A second wheeled platform (310), The system comprises a frame (320) having a first lateral portion (325) and a second lateral portion (330), The first lateral portion (325) of the frame is attached to the first wheeled platform (305) and is configured to support the first end portion (420) of the sling (415). The second lateral portion (330) of the frame is attached to the second wheeled platform (310) and is configured to support the second end portion (425) of the sling (415). The first wheeled platform (305) and the second wheeled platform (310) are positioned substantially apart (315) in a horizontal direction (405) so that the tower section (175) can be supported at least partially on the sling (415) between the first lateral portion (325) and the second lateral portion (330) of the frame, A tool for rotating the frame or a portion of the frame about a substantially horizontal axis, wherein the first transverse portion (325) of the frame includes a first hinge (461), and the second transverse portion (330) of the frame includes a second hinge (466).

2. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the first lateral portion (325) of the frame includes an upper hinge (461) and a lower hinge (460), and the second lateral portion (330) of the frame includes an upper hinge (466) and a lower hinge (465).

3. The tool according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first transverse portion (325) of the frame comprises one or more first sling attachment points (450) for attaching the first end (430) of the sling, and the second transverse portion (330) of the frame comprises one or more second sling attachment points (455) for attaching the second end (435) of the sling.

4. The tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first lateral portion (325) of the frame comprises a first upper guide (440), the second lateral portion (330) of the frame comprises a second upper guide (445), and the first upper guide (440) and the second upper guide (445) are configured to support the sling (415).

5. The sling (415) further comprises a first end (430) configured to be attached to the first lateral portion (325) of the frame and a second end (435) configured to be attached to the second lateral portion (330) of the frame, wherein the sling (415) is configured to support the tower section (175). The tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sling (415) is a flat sling.

6. The tool (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tool (300) does not include a drive mechanism for rotating the frame or a portion of the frame using the first hinge (461) and the second hinge (466).

7. Each of the first wheeled platform (310) and the second wheeled platform (310) is equipped with an independent propulsion mechanism, The tool according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising one or more clamps (475) for clamping a tower section flange (480).

8. A method (500) for handling a wind turbine tower section (175), Step (510) of supporting the first end of a tower section already positioned on one or more supports (610) with a first sling suspended between a first lateral portion of a frame attached to a first wheeled platform and a second lateral portion of the frame attached to a second wheeled platform of the first tool (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, Step (520) of supporting the second end of the tower section with a second sling suspended between a first lateral portion of the frame attached to a first wheeled platform and a second lateral portion of the frame attached to a second wheeled platform of the second tool (300') according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The step (530) of removing one or more supports (610) and A method that includes this.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising the step (540) of transporting the tower section (175).

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising the step of raising the tower section (175) by supporting the first end (485) of the tower section with the first tool (300) and lifting the second end (490) of the tower section.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the step of uprighting includes rotating the lateral portions of the first and second frames of the first tool about a substantially horizontal axis (405).

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of securing the first end (485) of the tower section to be positioned below by clamping the tower section flange (480).

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein one or more of the supports (610) are cradles (511), and removing a cradle involves separating the cradle into two parts (612, 613).

14. The process further includes transferring the aforementioned tower section to a ship for further transport, The method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the tower section is positioned on one or more tower section support elements attached to the vessel.

15. A method (500) for handling wind turbine tower sections (175) already positioned on one or more supports (610), A step of supporting a first end of a tower section with a first sling suspended between a first transverse portion of a first frame attached to a first wheeled platform (305) and a second transverse portion of a first frame attached to a second wheeled platform (310) of the first tool (300), wherein the first and second transverse portions of the first frame each have a first vertical beam, both ends of the first sling are adjustablely attached to the first vertical beam, the first end of the tower section penetrates the first frame axially and extends beyond the first vertical beam and the first sling, the first sling is positioned axially spaced rearward from the end face of the first end of the tower section, and the first sling fully supports the first end from below without being attached to the end face of the first end of the tower section, A step of adjusting the length of the first sling between the first vertical beams based on the diameter of the first end of the tower section, A step of supporting a second end of a tower section with a second sling suspended between a first transverse portion of a second frame attached to a first wheeled platform (305) and a second transverse portion of a second frame attached to a second wheeled platform (310) of the second tool (300'), wherein the first and second transverse portions of the second frame each have a second vertical beam, the opposite end of the second sling is adjustablely attached to the second vertical beam, the second end of the tower section extends axially through the second frame, past the second vertical beam and the second sling, the second sling is positioned axially rearward from the end face of the second end of the tower section, and fully supports the second end of the tower section from below without being attached to the end face of the second end of the tower section, A step of adjusting the length of the second sling between the second vertical beams based on the diameter of the second end of the tower section, The steps include removing one or more supports from below the tower section, The steps of raising the tower section upright by lifting the second end of the tower section from the second sling while the first end of the tower section is supported by the first sling of the first tool (300), Methods that include...

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